Samsung Galaxy A3 review

The Samsung Galaxy A3 currently has an Informr score of 6.2 out of 10.
This score is based on our evaluation of 8
sources including reviews from users and the web's most trusted critics.

Android

Operating system

Operating system

Android

1.2 GHz

Processor

Processor

1.2 GHz

4.5"

Screen Size

Screen Size

4.5"

8+ MP

Camera

Camera

8+ MP

1900 mAh

Battery

What the Critics Are Saying...

The new Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is not as big a disappointment as the old A3 (2015) but it’s not as impressive as the Galaxy S5 Mini was, either. The performance is not outstanding, but it is adequate for the price. Its shortcomings are, however, offset to a degree by its strong battery life....

- Eric Herrmann, AndroidPIT

Samsung’s RRP is £239, but you can buy the Galaxy A3 SIM-free for around £190 if you search around online. If you do want it on contract, there should be no up-front cost. But as we’ve said, it’s possible to get a phone with similar specifications for a lot less, so it&...

- Jim Martin, Tech Advisor

A solid mid-range option for those that prioritise one-handed usability, great battery life and premium build quality over big specs.

- Tomos Ellis, TechRadar

The Samsung Galaxy A3 is not on par with the Galaxy A5 in several aspects. Even though the smaller display with slightly less resolution compared to Galaxy A5 and good battery life are acceptable, lack of 4G support and just 1GB of RAM doesn’t make justice to the price tag, even though the sma...

- Srivatsan, Fone Arena

We struggled to score the Galaxy A3. On the whole, it's difficult to fault the model. Of course, it has weaknesses, but it makes a pretty decent daily smartphone for anyone looking for a classic handset—particularly if you have little need for multimedia. On top of that, the A3 isn't an unreal...

If your Galaxy A3 has problems and is still within its warranty period, you could contact Samsung support or the retailer you purchased the phone from. You'll find Samsung's contact information here. If your phone is off warranty and needs repair for a physical problem such as a broken screen or bad battery, you should visit an authorized service centre or a local phone repair shop. You can also connect with others in The Informr Community Forum to find and share answers to questions.

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Critic Reviews

An unfit heir

The new Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is not as big a disappointment as the old A3 (2015) but it’s not as impressive as the Galaxy S5 Mini was, either. The performance is not outstanding, but it is adequate for the price. Its shortcomings are, however, offset to a degree by its strong battery li...More

The new Samsung Galaxy A3 (2016) is not as big a disappointment as the old A3 (2015) but it’s not as impressive as the Galaxy S5 Mini was, either. The performance is not outstanding, but it is adequate for the price. Its shortcomings are, however, offset to a degree by its strong battery life. The storage space on offer is probably not enough for many users, but Samsung has been so kind as to include a microSD card slot, so this isn’t of such great concern.

Premium design in a cheaper phone

Samsung’s RRP is £239, but you can buy the Galaxy A3 SIM-free for around £190 if you search around online. If you do want it on contract, there should be no up-front cost. But as we’ve said, it’s possible to get a phone with similar specifications for a lot less, so...More

Samsung’s RRP is £239, but you can buy the Galaxy A3 SIM-free for around £190 if you search around online. If you do want it on contract, there should be no up-front cost. But as we’ve said, it’s possible to get a phone with similar specifications for a lot less, so it’s hard to justify spending the extra on the A3 for its cameras or even Samsung’s software.

Impressive performance, premium build quality

With the Galaxy A3, Samsung has proved many doubters wrong, showcasing the Korean firm's ability to produce an incredibly well-made and premium-feeling all-metal smartphone. Unlike many bland mid-range options currently available, the Galaxy A3 truly offers something different, and while the compact design will not appeal to everyone, especially users who consume a lot of media, it does contribute towards a great in-hand feel...

With the Galaxy A3, Samsung has proved many doubters wrong, showcasing the Korean firm's ability to produce an incredibly well-made and premium-feeling all-metal smartphone. Unlike many bland mid-range options currently available, the Galaxy A3 truly offers something different, and while the compact design will not appeal to everyone, especially users who consume a lot of media, it does contribute towards a great in-hand feel.

Samsung's offering doesn't claim to be a spec champ, and those looking for an affordable powerhouse should probably check out the OnePlus One and Honor 6. What the Galaxy A3 does offer however, is a solid smartphone experience that easily fits in your pocket or bag and in the palm of your hand. It's ideal for those on a budget who crave premium build quality and wish to purchase a smartphone from a well-known, reputable brand.

Decent performance with solid build quality

The Samsung Galaxy A3 is not on par with the Galaxy A5 in several aspects. Even though the smaller display with slightly less resolution compared to Galaxy A5 and good battery life are acceptable, lack of 4G support and just 1GB of RAM doesn’t make justice to the price tag, even though the smartphone has a premium build quality.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 is not on par with the Galaxy A5 in several aspects. Even though the smaller display with slightly less resolution compared to Galaxy A5 and good battery life are acceptable, lack of 4G support and just 1GB of RAM doesn’t make justice to the price tag, even though the smartphone has a premium build quality.

The high price of elegance

We struggled to score the Galaxy A3. On the whole, it's difficult to fault the model. Of course, it has weaknesses, but it makes a pretty decent daily smartphone for anyone looking for a classic handset—particularly if you have little need for multimedia. On top of that, the A3 isn't an unr...More

We struggled to score the Galaxy A3. On the whole, it's difficult to fault the model. Of course, it has weaknesses, but it makes a pretty decent daily smartphone for anyone looking for a classic handset—particularly if you have little need for multimedia. On top of that, the A3 isn't an unrealistic option...provided you manage to find a good-value contract. Without one, its price seems pretty excessive for its specs. For the same amount of money, you can find phones of a similar calibre, such as the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact, which proved more of an all-round success.

The best looking phone in the Samsung range

I’m a little bit torn by the Galaxy A3. On one hand, the new aluminium unibody is gorgeous and is big step up over the flimsy-feeling plastics that Samsung have used in the past. On the other hand, the relatively low resolution screen is a bit disappointing in a handset that otherwise looks so nice. In the end, you’ll have to decide for yourself which you think is more important...

I’m a little bit torn by the Galaxy A3. On one hand, the new aluminium unibody is gorgeous and is big step up over the flimsy-feeling plastics that Samsung have used in the past. On the other hand, the relatively low resolution screen is a bit disappointing in a handset that otherwise looks so nice. In the end, you’ll have to decide for yourself which you think is more important.

If you decide that the screen isn’t too much of an issue for you, and to be honest, it doesn’t really affect the usability of the handset, then the A4 is still a great mid-range phone. It’s a little expensive when compared to other handsets with the same sort of specification but if you can get it on a good deal then I doubt you will be disappointed. It’s a fantastic looking phone with a decent specification and a good operating system. You can’t ask for more than that.

What is particularly exciting about the Galaxy A3 is that it is likely to be a preview of what Samsung have planned for their flagship Galaxy S6 which is due to be announced next month. If Samsung can produce such a nice aluminium body on a relatively cheap, midrange phone then the £500+ Galaxy S6 is likely to be even more spectacular.

It's hard not to like the Samsung Galaxy A3. And there's more to like about it than what is on the outside. Even so, let's take one final moment to appreciate Samsung's creation.

They crafted a 6.9mm thick smartphone with an aluminum frame and targeted it straight at the mid-range market. It's also very compact and comfortably pocketable.

The Samsung Galaxy A3 looks hot and packs a very capable camera. The 8MP shooter did very well in both still photography and video recording. The opposing 5MP camera is great for selfies and its 1080p video recording skills will be highly appreciated in video chats too.

You can't have it all, though. Where Samsung cut corners is the screen resolution. To put it simply, in 2015 qHD is the new WVGA. But it's not all bad because at 4.5" of diagonal the sharpness is acceptable. Plus, it's a Super AMOLED unit and a very bright one at that. You'll have no problems reading what's on screen even in direct sunlight, that's for sure.

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